SteelSeries Arctis 9x Review: Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox

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By John K. Ward

Steelseries Arctis 9x is undoubtedly one of the best headset available, in the recent market. This headset is exclusively made for the Xbox One gaming console. However, with the help of a Microsoft Xbox Wireless Adapter for PC or using 3.5mm male to male stereo audio cable, you can connect this device with your PC.

You can connect the Steelseries Arctis 9x headset to the Xbox One console via the Xbox Wireless standard and the Bluetooth respectively that too at the same time. Further, using Bluetooth, you can connect this device to the phone.

Due to the great audio quality, design and multiple features within this headset, it has become the most popular device to play games on the Xbox One console.

Design and Build Quality

The green-colored lines present on the black elastic headband of the SteelSeries Arctis 9x headset is one of its most striking features. These subtle color lines act as an identification mark that this device is exclusively designed for the Xbox One gaming console.

However, the primary color of this headset is matte black and the body of this device is made of metal and plastic. This device has big oval ear cushions, with edges that are somewhat shiny. Along with that, the back panels are rubberized.

Integrated Microphone

This SteelSeries headset contains an integrated microphone capability that helps you to communicate with other gamers at the time of playing games. The microphone is present within the left earcup of the headset. This is basically a small device that is present on the metal arm and is bendable.

To change the audio balance of the microphone, there is a wheel-like changer button, present on the edge of the left earcup.

Volume and Connectors

On the right earcup of the headset, you will get the volume wheel that helps to control the audio output of the device. Along with the volume wheel, the right earcup has three additional buttons that includes the Power, Bluetooth, and a button to operate the microphone. Along with that the connectors like USB, 3.5mm headphone jack is also present on the right earcup of this headset.

Building Structure

Since the Arctis 9x headset is designed that it can be utilized by gamers for all gaming purposes, it can be used for a long period of time. It is indeed really comfortable and easy on your head.

For comfort, the designers have involved padding over the ear cushions so that there is no involvement of pain, even after non-stop usage.

The headset is recommendable for its springy metal band that holds both the ear cushions along with the plastic. Since there is a flexible metal band over the head, therefore it will hold your head securely without any issue, for several hours.

Connection Types of this Headset

There are two distinct types of connections associated with the SteelSeries Arctis 9x headset, which is Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth.

Xbox Wireless Connection

With the help of Xbox Wireless technology, you can connect the headset like the controller to the gaming console. Simply locate the ‘Pairing’ button on the console.

After that, the headset will connect to it automatically without the requirement of any other dongle. If you want to connect this headset with the computer then use the Xbox Wireless adapter dongle.

Bluetooth Connection

You can also connect this headset via Bluetooth technology to your phone and computer. However, connecting the headset via Bluetooth can significantly ruin the quality of the voice.

There is a detailed explanation below about the microphone recording quality if you intend to use the Bluetooth connection.

Performance of the SteelSeries Arctis 9x Headset

Here, you will be able to evaluate the performances of the SteelSeries Arctis 9x headset for both gaming and music purpose.

Audio Quality in Gaming

The Player Unknown Battleground or PUBG is one of the most sought after game nowadays. You can easily play this game on the Xbox One console after connecting the Arctis 9x headset

.The sounds of all the gun fires along with the footsteps of the enemy and voices of the team-mates, every single sound can be heard quite clearly. This headset is really good when considering the output, along with the low-frequency sound that the environment produces.

All the firearms have different sounds and you can easily distinguish those audio outputs. The audio of the SteelSeries headset is balanced, therefore the bass and the high, low-frequency sounds are at the middle level.

Music Playback Quality

Music playback quality is also highly remarkable if you pick the SteelSeries Arctis 9x headset. This device handles both the bass and vocals within an audio track in a balanced way. You can hear all the instrumentals within an audio track quite clearly.

However, if you want more bass output then adjust the setting ‘Bass Boost EQ’. Doing this will add a low pitch response.

Quality of Microphone

The quality of the microphone that comes along with this headset depends on which technology you are using to connect the headset. There are two types of distinct connections – one is with ‘Bluetooth’ and the other one is ‘Xbox Wireless Adapter’.

If you connect the SteelSeries headset to the computer with the Bluetooth technology, then the sound test can become distorted. However, if you intend to connect the headset with the computer using the ‘Xbox Wireless Adapter’, then the audio quality from the microphone is much clearer without any distortion.

The microphone of this device records the best quality audio when used with the Xbox One console. Therefore, it is much more logical to use with the Xbox One console, instead of other devices.

Verdict

After using the SteelSeries Arctis 9x headset for a week you can easily decide for yourself that this headset is highly compatible with the Xbox One console. Since the designers have not compromised with the audio output, you can hear the recordings clearly.

However, if you use this device with your computer via Bluetooth technology, then the audio recording can become a bit glitchy. As a remedy to this problem, you can use the Xbox Wireless Adapter. So, why wait when you can get the best build quality in the form of a headset.